If I said that I'd be happy to just get a decent seat at any café, then that'd be true. Nowadays you have to be lucky to find a proper seat and table at a restaurant or café in Dhaka.
Yet, a window sit in one corner of the café is what I love, especially when it's raining.
The weather right now surely is pleasant, and my aggressive reaction to the seasonal flu is back again, but I can't complain; even though the shenanigans of this season is nowhere near over, at least it's cool and windy once more.
The other day one of my colleagues called me up for a short meeting at Arabika Coffee, and this colleague of mine also happens to be my cousin.
We're currently working on setting up a little fitness institute in one of the smaller cities of Bangladesh; while also helping to set up two English courses for school kids and adults. He's lived and worked in this city for most of his life, and believes this area has potential. People here just require proper guidance he says.
So, I've decided to help out. Right now I've got my hands full, thanks to this project and our own startup, and that's why I've been away from Hive every now and then.
Now, I'm no certified professional in English Language or fitness, but I have taught and trained a few people, and they've seen results as well. My methods of teaching isn't the conventional kind, it's more "informal" and practical, and that's what most people like.
I've studied under the English curriculum all my life. I have certificates from my junior year that I've received from Cambridge for my impeccable performance in countless English tests and courses.
And fitness? That story goes back to the roots. My father, uncles and cousins were, and still are fitness freaks.
It's all right up my alley. That is why I'm quite confident about this project and my bets are big.
We decided to grab a sit at Arabika Coffee for this little meeting of ours. It's one of the best in the area, and is always fairly packed. However, this time we got lucky. For some reason half the café was fairly empty and quiet. it was the perfect environment for our little meeting.
When ordering I decided to "man up" this time and try something different. So I ordered a macchiato and a double chocolate cookie. I guess I'm finally tired of sipping cappuccinos, maybe?
The macchiato was fairly balanced in terms of taste, and the cookie definitely compliments it. Yet, the sad part is that you don't really get much coffee for the price lol. So, the chances are that you'll have an empty cup way before your conversation ends.
However, I'm not complaining, 4 out of 5 times it's my cousin who takes care of the bills haha. Even if I covertly pay the bill, the money ends up coming back to my pockets lol.
ᴵᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵒᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᶜᵒⁿᵗᵉⁿᵗ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᵒʷⁿ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵉⁿᵗᶦᵒⁿᵉᵈ
All in all, I like this place, especially when it's not crowded. It's perfect for a nice little chat on a rainy day.
But, is it worthy of taking the second spot after Tabaq? Maybe. Tabaq's coffee, food, consistency, and no smoking policy just puts it in an elite class, no competition there. Only those who like to smoke dislike Tabaq lol.
So, Arabika Coffee is alright I'd say, a 7 out of 10 for me.
Next time though, I plan on trying another café that I've been eyeing for a while. Their online menu surely is tantalizing; hopefully the taste and service is just as good as it all looks.
Cheers ☕️